PhD position in the MSCA-DN “CanGoNano”: Glycosylated polyallylamine and polyethyleneimine for [...]

Organisation/Company University of Florence Department Chemistry Research Field Chemistry » Organic chemistry Chemistry » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 26 Apr 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Rome) Country Italy Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

CanGoNano is a European Training Network funded in the framework of HORIZON Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN), focusing on glyconanomaterials (GNM) as precision tools of unveil key insights on the triggering of the antigen presenting cells (APC) against cancer using antigenic peptides and mRNAs encoding for these peptides. Within CanGoNano, Doctoral Candidates (DCs) will be equipped with a thorough multifaceted knowledge of the potential of glycoscience in cancer immunotherapy and the necessary transferable skills. CanGoNano will provide an international, intersectoral and interdisciplinary educational program, according to the EU Principles for Innovative Doctoral Training. This will put DCs in an advantageous position for job opportunities in both academia and industry.

Within the CANGONANO network, the University of Florence (UNIFI) is recruiting 1 Doctoral Candidate (DC) to carry out research in GlycoNanoMaterials for precision delivery of genetic material to antigen presenting cells . The positions will be supervised by Prof. Marco Marradi and Prof. Barbara Richichi at UNIFI, and will offer candidates the opportunity to work at the forefront of glyconanotechnology to fill gaps in cancer immunotherapy , while benefiting from tailored training and international secondments across the consortium.

Doctoral Candidate DC1:
Project Title: Glycosylated polyallylamine (PAH) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) for precision delivery of mRNA to antigen presenting cells
Project: This PhD project will focus on: 1) bioconjugation of lectin-targeting polysaccharides (PS) to PAH and PEI at different density and physicochemical characterization of the resulting GNM (psPAH/PEI); 2) Functionalization of cationic PAH and PEI with tracking probes; 3) Preparation and characterization of polyplexes of psPAH/PEI and mRNA; 4) Evaluation of the in vivo fate of the polyplexes; 5) Training in synthesis of psPAH/PEI-based polyplexes, enzymatic synthesis of mRNA, advanced microscopy, radiochemistry and bioimaging of radiolabelled GNM.

Duration: 36 months, starting 1 November 2026.

Co-supervisors: Alexander H. van Asbeck (RiboPro, NL), Barbara Richichi (UNIFI, IT)

PLANNED SECONDMENTS. 1) RiboPro (Industry, NL), A. H. van Asbeck, (II year, 2M), training on enzymatic synthesis of mRNA; 2) CIC biomaGUNE (Academia, ES), J. Llop, (III year, 3M), training on radiolabelling and in vivo biodistribution studies.

• Master Degree (M.Sc. degree) in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biotechnology, (Nano)Materials Science and strictly related ones
• Practical experience in organic and materials chemistry, and characterization techniques
• Good level of English proficiency
• Team spirit and pro-active attitude

Specific Requirements

The selected candidate must meet the following requirements:

• Commit full-time to the research activity, unless authorization is granted by the European Commission for personal or family reasons.
• Carry out exclusively the research activities related to the specified research program, and refrain from undertaking any teaching activities at the university.
• Refrain from receiving any additional income beyond what is specified in the call.
• Agree to sign all necessary agreements concerning intellectual property rights.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the regulations of the European Project.

Languages

ENGLISH Level Good

Research Field

Chemistry » Organic chemistry Chemistr » Other

Internal Application form(s) needed

ANNEX A CanGoNano_General-call-for-applications_Annex-A-2026 website 16Mar2026.pdf

The position is open to candidates of any nationality, provided they strictly fulfil the eligibility requirements established for the enrollment through the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action-Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN). Equal opportunities policy without distinction on the grounds of gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation will be applied. Please, refer to the section “Recruited Researchers” (page 122 and following) of the Horizon Europe Work Programme for MSCA-DN actions, available at the following link:

In particular, at the time of recruitment, applicants must comply with the following eligibility criteria:

• Experience: Applicants must not be already in possession of a doctoral degree. Applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis, but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree, will not be considered eligible. Applicants must possess a five-years university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent).
• Mobility rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country where the research training activities will take place for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment date.

Selection process

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

The applicant must apply through the project website: Any other form of application will not be considered.

All applications will be checked for eligibility. Incomplete applications will be ignored. Applications will be in English. Applicants must complete/upload the data/documents and information through the project website by following an 8-step application procedure.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA / EVALUATION CRITERIA

Supervisors will pre-select candidates for each position, based on the information included in the application procedure that will be evaluated against the following criteria:

• Educational record;
• Scientific quality of the applicant’s CV;
• Expected individual impact and benefit to the fellow and to the project;
• Previous experience in the subject of the CanGoNano research programme.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews with multiple supervisors from the network (online or in-person). Good level of English proficiency (understood, spoken and written) will be considered. Candidates will be notified of the outcome via the website.

Additional comments

The start of the employment is foreseen on the 1st November 2026, in accordance with the local regulations of the recruiting institution and in agreement with the local supervisors. Doctoral candidates must be enrolled in a doctoral programme leading to the award of a doctoral degree in at least one EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.

Candidates must meet all admission requirements for the PhD programme at the recruiting institution. These requirements must be fulfilled at the start of the contract.

Candidates of all nationalities and genders are welcome to apply.

In line with MSCA requirements, candidates must be willing to undertake international mobility during the fellowship, which is a mandatory requirement and may account for up to 30% of the contract duration.

Please submit your application form, including CV, motivation letter, recommendation letter(s), and copies of relevant diplomas/documents via the project website:

by using the “APPLY NOW” function.

Candidates will be notified of the outcome via the website.

For questions exclusively not addressed in the application guidelines available on the project website, candidates may contact the project team at Replies will be provided only in such cases.